I-205 Distracted Driving Accident is a Model of What Not to Do

Regular readers of this blog know that I have been reminding Oregonians since last year of the importance of the Oregon distracted driving law that went into effect January 1. An ever-growing number of studies nationwide testify to the importance of concentration behind the wheel and the particular dangers posed by hand-held cellphones.

Last week saw a Portland car crash that highlighted these truths in an exceptionally ironic manner. According to a report on KPTV’s website a Portland driver who was talking on his cellphone rear-ended a police car. OK, it was an unmarked patrol car, not a marked cruiser. Still, if you are going to have an accident while violating the Oregon distracted law, getting collared because you hit a cop car does tend to make things look even worse.

According to KPTV the accident took place on I-205 near Foster Road early last Tuesday morning. The 70-year old driver of a Toyota was, according to police quoted by the TV station, heading south on the interstate while using his cellphone without a hands-free device when he rear-ended the police car as it cruised along at 55 miles per hour.

No one was hurt in the accident. The drivers of both vehicles involved in the Portland car accident reportedly were wearing their seat belts. According to KGW.com the driver of the civilian vehicle “was cited for careless driving and operating a motor vehicle while using a mobile communication device.”
The police, of course, can defend themselves. The rest of us do not have the same resources. That is where the assistance an experienced Portland distracted driving attorney offers can prove to be invaluable. If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident caused by an Oregon distracted driver you owe it to yourself to consult with an Oregon car accident lawyer with expertise in distracted driving cases.